From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 30, at Leo’s Coney Island, officers from the Van Buren Township Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.
All community members are invited to attend Coffee with a Cop. Contact Public Safety Director Gregory M. Laurain with questions at (734) 699-8934 or [email protected] .
Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in township neighborhoods.
Director Laurain said the majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happens during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.
Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Director Laurain. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.
The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
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23 Comments
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No thank you, I will pass on the opportunity to meet corrupt cops from Van Buren.
I think they would build better relationships if they followed up to phone calls and emails on crimes that have happened to residents. To many times have my inquiries gone by with no response. I shouldn’t have to go to a restaurant on a Saturday morning to ask questions. I feel its just a dumb political stunt because of all the bad press. You reap what you sow Van Buren.
You don’t have to go to a diner to ask questions, you can go to the station, call or email also. This is just a way the police are connecting with the community. I give them an a for effort In light of all the bashing they are getting lately.
I wonder if Gregory will answer questions about the out of control payroll or the fact that his Top officers still are not Following his new Policy. Will he answer if I asked him if he fudged
Dear Director Lairain,
My questions are have you ever used the police budget to buy something personal in nature that isn’t for use in your department? If no, would you testify to that under oath?
Also, have you controlled the excessive payroll that has plagued our community? If so, what exactly had been done?
Everyone with tough questions regarding the alleged corrupt department should show up and ask him wtf is going on. Lets at least make him sweat for his big paycheck.
I have some aggressive questions to ask and I know a few people are going to demand answers also. Especially after readingt he letter in the paper regarding the TOP COP still working shifts as he pleases with complete disregard to the 6 hour off rule. Nice policy Greg.
Can we have meet with the Van Buren Fire Chief also? Judging by the pictures he sent to the paper for the great “key rescue” he clearly has no idea what he is doing. I want to ask him why he put a firefighter at risk in a confined space with improper PPE and not even a rope. He must be to worried about taking pictures to stroke his ever growing ego. This is just one example of why Besson should not have been handed the chief position. There is a reason he didn’t get it the other few times he applied and precisely why other chiefs in the area look down upon VBTFD.
That is concerning Joe. You sound like you are on the Fire Department and I am linked with OSHA and MSHA (contract work) and confined space requirements are being violated in a big way in the picture. I hope that it is reported to OSHA, so that these guys can get proper training, they sure do need it.
so chief besson was taking pictures of his guy in a confined space with ice rescie gear? what if the ground underneath was unstable, how would they get him out? Nothing like risking one of your own for a photo op. Still immature and never gonna grow up besson.
You have to give the guy credit for trying to connect to the community. The downfall is its just damage control and therefore an insult to the residents.
Well it sounds like the 6 hour rule was just a policy to appease the residents and Laurain had no intentions of taking away Mr. Floro’s gravy train. If you read the news and view the comments, then it appears that Mr. Laurain also takes advantage of his township issued vehicle doing personal errands while off duty. It was said he was spotted off duty at several locations around the township with members of his family inside the vehicle. Mr. Besson does the same thing, he takes family members to school outside of the district in his township issued vehicle as well (he has 2 township issued vehicles according to records). Does the township insurance cover this? I don’t want to pay for their free ride, we pay enough. I’ll remember this when we are asked to VOTE YES to 6 mils to prevent bankruptcy due to the piss poor Visteon deal.
Is there a policy about using the township vehicle for personal business? Maybe I’ll ask Mr. Laurain about that.
No, Besson has 3 vehicles.
This event is cheesy.
I may go to find out what’s being done about all of these cars in the Homestead sub sitting on blocks every week. There is a serious crew that keeps stealing tires and rims.
I want to know why the fire chief needs 3 Vehicles and one that is unmarked? I’m sure the expense on the new explorer could have been used elsewhere, especially when there is a millage in the horizon. I cannot and will support poor spending In our public safety department.
The VBT General Budget is the responsibility of the Township Supervisor. Department Directors present the dept. budget to the Supervisor and a discussion on the individual budgets should take place for appropriate expenditures. Once the Supervisor is satisfied with the dept. budgets, the Supervisor prepares the entire Township General Budget to present to the entire Board of Trustees for approval. Once the full Board approves the budget, the Supervisor MUST monitor the budget daily, weekly and monthly. Changes may be made at any time during the budget year upon approval of the full board. The tax money comes directly from the residents pocketbook. If it goes to DC, then to the State and then to VBT, it still comes from our pockets. All Revenues are a form of tax. Some are called traffic tickets, FOIA fee, permit fees, ect. Only exception may be the water bill. Remember, the VBT Supervisor has the final responsibility to adhere to the budget once Board Approved.
This proves that Linda Combs has failed the citizens of this township. Does she even care what happens? She has done nothing but drive this township further into to ground. from the budget to letting her public safety department get out of control. From a whistleblower suit and allegations that were never addressed. I feel she should step down immediately.
Total blame can’t be placed on Combs. You still have Director’s in place to do a job. They should do an honest job and have intregrity. You would hope that they (Besson and Laurain) would put a stop to excessive payroll and address allegations. Who should take the blame? I believe the board as a whole has failed us in many ways. To bad they don’t address questions like the Police Department is doing. I’ve sent letters that go unanwsered just like the others.
Jim, I am surprised the Supervisor does not answer your letters. As I recall, You worked for her in VBT as your Director.
Managing the General Budget IS the responsibility of the Supervisor. The Supervisor is the Administrator of the Township, unless a Manager is hired. Of course, the Department Director is responsible for the Dept Budget, but the Supervisor is where the “buck stops”, IF the Dept. Director is taking inappropriate actions, then the Supervisor should counsel the Director and give direction on necessary action to pursue. The Board has a primary obligation in the legislative action of the Township.
Approval (or not) of all meeting actions presented to the full Board. Board suggestions and reccomendations from the Board should be recognized. AGAIN, the Township Supervisor is responsible for managing the General Budget. There are some great Directors working at VBT.
Did anyone show up for this event? I was just wondering if tough questions were asked and even answered. I couldn’t attend unfortunately. I did send my questions through email but now just waiting on an answer.
Is anyone concerned that the township is on the verge of bankruptcy?